Marion Lake

An alpine lake sits at the base of a rocky cliff.

This 14.7-mile loop is a serious alpine quest with nearly 4,000 feet of elevation gain earned over steep, narrow terrain with switchbacks and exposed ridgelines. The physical demand is real—expect 9-13 hours of relentless climbing and technical footwork at high altitude with panoramic mountain views and an alpine lake destination. Snow typically blocks access until late July, and early-season attempts without winter gear are a no-go. Suitable only for experienced hikers with strong cardio fitness and mental toughness.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 14.7
Route Type: Loop (primary from Rendezvous Mountain; 18.8 mi out-and-back also available from Granite Canyon)
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous—Lung Buster
Elevation Gain Feet: 3990

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 14.7
Route Type: Loop (primary from Rendezvous Mountain; 18.8 mi out-and-back also available from Granite Canyon)
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous—Lung Buster
Elevation Gain Feet: 3990
Estimated Time: 11 hours if fit and acclimatized, 13+ if altitude impacts you. Full daylight margin required.
Trail Surface: Rooty, rocky, steep with tight switchbacks and narrow sections. Exposed ridgeline terrain with loose scree on descent.
Trail Features: Alpine lake
Mountain peaks
Wildflower meadows
Ridgeline traverse
High-altitude terrain
Granite Canyon overlooks
Forested sections
Trail Highlights: Marion Lake destination with views of surrounding peaks. Wildflower meadows (early summer). Ridgeline sections overlooking Granite Canyon and Middle Fork with panoramic vistas.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead (primary): Park at Ranch Lot in Teton Village; hike Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails or take Aerial Tram to summit. Granite Canyon Trailhead (alternative): Park at Granite Canyon Trailhead lot.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Takes visitors from base area to Rendezvous Mountain summit (minutes, fees apply; discounted online). Hike-only alternative: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails from base to summit (adds significant elevation/hours to your day).

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Day hikes do not require permits. Overnight backcountry camping permits required—reserve at https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bcres.htm
Fees: $35 park entrance fee (private vehicle, 7 days) or $20 per person on foot. Aerial Tram fee additional if used (discounted online).
Trail Status: Typically open mid-July through September
Seasonal Closures: Snow closes or makes hazardous before late July. First snow arrives October. Trail not recommended until snow has melted (usually late July). Hikers should use caution when traveling over snow and not attempt unless they have previous snow experience and proper equipment.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Granite Creek (early season, flowing reliably) and Marion Lake (at destination). Water treatment/filtering mandatory—do not drink untreated.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Trail is very steep, narrow, rooty, and rocky with switchbacks and exposure. Not suitable for mobility-impaired or young children.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Snow and ice (June-early July)
Exposure on narrow ridgeline
Steep terrain with drop-offs
Switchbacks and rocky footing
High altitude (10,000+ ft)
Afternoon thunderstorms
Creek crossings (early season)
Loose scree on descent
Hazard Details: Narrow, steep sections with cliff exposure. Rooty and rocky footing prone to twisted ankles. Altitude exposure above 10,000 ft affects many hikers. Snow and ice common before late July—requires winter gear and avalanche know-how. Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly at ridge elevation (lightning hazard). Streams run high/cold early season (crossing hazard). Loose scree increases slip/fall risk on descent.
Cell Service: Spotty to nonexistent; assume no service above 10,000 ft. Bring backup communication device.
Crowd Level: Moderate to High during peak summer (July-August weekends)
Peak Crowd Times: July-August, especially mid-July through mid-August on weekends
Best Season: Summer and Fall (mid-July through mid-September ideal; June-July has lingering snow; October has first snow risk)
Best Time To Visit: Start by early morning (5:00-6:00 AM) to maximize daylight and avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Best access mid-July through mid-September when snow has melted and weather is stable. Avoid early July (snow lingers) and after mid-September (first snow risk).
Tips Advice: Carry 3+ liters of water minimum; Granite Creek and Marion Lake require filtering—do not drink untreated.
Trekking poles are non-negotiable on descent; knee impact on steep terrain is brutal without them.
Start pre-dawn; you need 9-13 hours of daylight plus 1-hour buffer for darkness margin.
Wear hat and sunscreen; alpine exposure burns fast at high altitude.
Check weather the night before; afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly at ridge elevation.
If snow covers trail, turnaround immediately unless you carry microspikes, ice axe, and have avalanche awareness.
Bring emergency whistle and communicator device (cell service is spotty at altitude).

More details

Park Area: Granite Canyon / Rendezvous Mountain area
Trail Markers: Well-marked main trail (cairns and worn path). Snow obscures markers mid-June through early July—map and compass/GPS essential in early season.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mixed: Dense forest in lower canyon (shaded) transitions to open meadows and exposed ridgeline at higher elevation (full sun). Expect intense UV exposure at altitude.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 if cell service available (unreliable above 10,000 ft). If no cell, attract attention of other hikers or descend to lower elevation for coverage. Non-emergency: (307) 739-3300.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Snow typically blocks trail June-July. Access becomes reliably snow-free by late July. First snow possible by late September-October.
Mud Season: Early summer (late June through July) after snowmelt; trail may be boggy and slick.
Wildflower Peak: Early summer (June-July), visible in upper Granite Canyon and alpine meadow sections
Insider Tips: The ridgeline has multiple false summits—don't stop early; each high point reveals the next false summit.
Marion Lake sits in a basin; approach from south side for wind protection and best view angles.
The descent is harder than ascent—your knees will hate you without trekking poles. Invest in good poles.
Start with full water bottles; Granite Creek is unreliable if snowmelt hasn't started.
If you attempt this in early July and find significant snow, turnaround immediately. The NPS isn't kidding about winter gear requirements—people die ignoring this.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for young children. Trail length (14.7 mi, 9-13 hours), elevation gain (3,990 ft), and exposure (narrow ridgeline with drop-offs) demand strong hiking fitness and mountain experience. Older teens with endurance may manage day hike. No water/restrooms between trailhead and lake.
Nearby Facilities: Teton Village (near trailhead): restaurants, lodging, supplies. Granite Canyon Trailhead: parking only (no facilities). Nearest ranger station at Park Headquarters.
Review Summary: Hikers report the elevation gain is relentless and the altitude exposure is real, but the alpine lake views and solitude reward the grit. Most say trekking poles are essential for knee preservation on descent.

Frequently asked questions

Is this really 'very strenuous'? How hard is it compared to other hikes?

Yes. 3,990 feet of elevation over 14.7 miles equals 27% grade average. Expect relentless climbing, steep footwork, and exposure. Compare: Half Dome (Yosemite) is similar; Rainier's Skyline Loop is easier. You need strong cardio and mountain experience.

Can I do this without trekking poles?

Technically, yes. Practically, no. Your knees will be wrecked on the descent without poles. Carry them.

Is snow a real problem early summer?

Yes. Snow blocks the trail until late July. Early attempts without microspikes, ice axe, and avalanche know-how are life-threatening. Wait.

Will I get lost on the trail?

Trail is well-marked in good conditions. Snow obscures cairns. Bring map, compass, or GPS. Recommend both map plus GPS for safety.

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes—bear country. Make noise, carry bear spray, store food properly if camping. Black bears present but usually avoid hikers. Be alert.

How much water do I need to carry?

Carry 3+ liters. Granite Creek is unreliable early season; Marion Lake requires treatment. Don't count on water sources—bring it all.

What if I run out of daylight before reaching the trailhead?

Turn back. No excuses. Bring a headlamp in case, but plan to be off the ridge 30 minutes before sunset. Darkness on exposed terrain is how people die.